A Message for the New Year

In last week’s Torah portion, which is always read in the period leading up to the High Holidays, we read about the practice of tithing produce in the land of Israel. The Torah says, ‘Then you shall say before Hashem, your God, …’I have also given to the Levite, to the stranger, to the orphan and to the widow, according to whatever commandment you commanded me. …and I have not forgotten.’…Gaze down from your holy abode, from the heavens, and bless your people Israel, and the ground that you gave us, as you swore to our forefathers, a Land flowing with milk and honey.’

Exactly one year ago, the first grants from the Lemonade Fund (IBCERF) were given, right before Rosh Hashana. Since then, in the very first year of its existence, the Lemonade Fund has given grants ranging from NIS 1500 to NIS 4000, to more than 30 Israeli women (of all religions and nationalities) suffering from serious disease, who are also in severe financial distress. I hope we’ve made a difference, by lightening their load during this very difficult time. In reviewing their applications, I’ve learned about these women, and they are often the kind of people who become marginal in society, who are easily forgotten. (Read more about this in their own words, at http://www.lemonadefund.org.) But we have not forgotten them.

Now, as we again approach Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, during this season of introspection, we can all find things to improve in ourselves. However, we can stand before God and humbly say that in at least this, in regards to this weaker segment of our people, ‘we have not forgotten.’

May God look down on all of us and bless his people Israel, and our land, for a sweet, healthy, peaceful new year.

Shana Tova, Happy New Year, Shari

IBCERF (Lemonade Fund): www.Lemonadefund.org

1. To volunteer or if you know someone who needs to apply for assistance: Send an email to israelbcerf@gmail.com.